Meet the Water PT Team

Nancy Hawkins, MPT

Nancy has diversified physical therapy experience including orthopedic, pediatric, home health, and aquatic rehabilitation. She received her MPT from CSU Northridge in 1999. Nancy dedicated herself to aquatic physical therapy after discovering the healing properties of water due to a personal low back injury. After healing her own back in the water, she committed herself sharing this with others. As co-owner of Water PT, Nancy has developed the reputation of being one of the most highly qualified aquatic therapists in the Los Angeles area.

Jessica Semmel

Jessica was an avid swimmer and lifeguard throughout her youth. When she first experienced aquatic therapy she was so inspired that within a year she became a co-owner of Water PT. She loved seeing the patients improve and at the same time enjoy their therapy sessions in the pool. Jessica is grateful to manage this amazing team and see the incredible benefits people receive from aquatic therapy. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from New York University and is also a CPA and certified massage therapist.

BEAU "RAMSEY" WOODS, DPT

Ramsey is a graduate of the Mt St Mary’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. He has extensive interest in rehabilitation and uses a variety of techniques to facilitate healing in the aquatic environment. Ramsey draws on a strong background of fitness and alignment to maximize each patient’s potential. He puts in the extra effort to ensure each patient feels comfortable and confident in their abilities, so they can attain their goals and expedite the healing process. Ramsey loves working at Water PT and having the ability to give individualized attention to each patient.

MARISSA DANNAWAY, DPT

Marissa received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University in 2016 and joined Water PT in July of 2018. She began her career in pediatrics and found her way to Water PT by following her passion for healing and working in the water. Marissa brings a gentle, caring, and positive approach to her treatments, utilizing her extensive background in postural re-education, manual therapy techniques, and therapeutic exercise to enable her patients to achieve their therapy goals.

DAWN DEGROOT, PTA

Dawn came to physical therapy later in life after an injury. She graduated from the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Pueblo Community College in Colorado. During her training she experienced water therapy, which she loved. After working for 10 years in traditional PT, she is thrilled to find her place in the pool again here in California. She gets very excited about physical therapy and helping people return to doing things they enjoy and a better quality of life. Dawn’s favorite thing to focus on is balance and posture, since she finds it enhances any other work we do.

MICHELLE MCLAFFERTY MOHAWK, D.C.

Dr. Michelle McLafferty received her medical training at Southern California University of Health Sciences, earning her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2005. Her love for fitness and the outdoors led her to pursue advanced training in the field of aquatic therapy. Dr. McLafferty is one of few Chiropractors in the United States with an expertise in aquatic rehabilitation, specializing in hands-on, gentle chiropractic adjustments of the spine and extremities, along with manual spinal traction. She develops customized aquatic rehabilitation programs, helping patients overcome a multitude of injuries, both in the pool and out, while reducing physical stress and tension on the body.

Teal Levine, PT has worked for Water PT since 2011. She received her degree from Chicago Medical School. Teal specializes in working with patients with Chronic Pain and has trained in Watsu and Myofascial Release. Teal’s enthusiasm for aquatic therapy is contagious and she is very inspiring to her patients.